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issue with headlights raising

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by davewapinski, Jan 11, 2005.

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  1. davewapinski

    davewapinski Formula Junior

    Nov 24, 2003
    276
    #1 davewapinski, Jan 11, 2005
    This is probably an issue that affects several Ferrari models.

    Ferrari model is a Mondial t cab.

    Both headlights have been immediately rising when the switch is thrown for headlights.

    Had to rush from Utah to Delaware to solve some computer problems for Honeywell and Dominion Nuclear plus I needed the Ferrari when I arrived.

    Mondial t purred like a kitten or roared like a lion for the about 2,400 miles - no issues.

    Last night and this morning the headlights worked fine.

    Tonight when I turned the lights on, neither headlight raised. However, the lights were on.

    I tried many times.

    Right now the Ferrari is parked outside in continuous medium rain. If salt or dirt is causing the problem, the rain should wash it away.

    Hopefully at first light, the rain will have stopped. Then I will check the fuses and coat everything with WD-40.

    If this does not solve the issue, where should I go from here?

    Thanks, Dave
     
  2. Muteki

    Muteki Formula Junior

    Jan 14, 2004
    269
    Guam
    #2 Muteki, Jan 12, 2005
    Its kind of a pain in the butt, but you might have corrosion on your fuse box. You might check it thoughouly to include the rear side. Some people end up replacing them. Hopefully, you can just clean it up and won't cost you anything.
     
  3. bert308

    bert308 Formula 3

    Nov 30, 2002
    1,776
    Roermond Netherlands
    Full Name:
    Bert Kanters
    #3 bert308, Jan 12, 2005
    In the 308 there is a knob on the motor for hand raising the lights in case the motor doesn't work.
     
  4. TOM B

    TOM B Formula 3

    Jul 24, 2003
    1,038
    Orange County, NY
    Full Name:
    Thomas Buckley
    #4 TOM B, Jan 12, 2005
    On the earlier Mondials, on the side of the headlight housing, is the lifting mechanism linkage. The nut can loosen, causing the linkage to move but not the housing. I've had this happen a few times, but never to both sides at the same time. It's worth a shot. Good luck.

    By the way, good for you on your road trip through the rain, sleet, and salt. These cars were meant to be driven. We think alike.

    Tom
     
  5. wax

    wax Five Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Jul 20, 2003
    52,443
    SFPD
    Full Name:
    Dirty Harry
    #5 wax, Jan 12, 2005
    Some even build their own replacement, with more than satisfactory results.
     
  6. Miltonian

    Miltonian F1 Veteran

    Dec 11, 2002
    5,966
    Milton, Wash.
    Full Name:
    Jeff B.
    #6 Miltonian, Jan 12, 2005
    I don't know for sure if a Mondial T Cabriolet uses the same fuse panel arrangement as a 348ts like mine, but on the 348:

    1) In the luggage compartment fusebox, there is a 5amp fuse and a single relay that controls the function of the entire headlight raising system.

    2) There are then separate 7.5amp fuses and relays that control the function of each separate headlight motor.

    If your headlight bulbs come on, but the headlight buckets stay down, then it seems likely that the problem is in the circuit to the main system. It doesn't seem likely that the problem is a ground, or a connector, or something in the linkage.

    I would check the 5amp fuse for power supply and continuity, then I would swap the relay for a similar one, and see what happens.
     
  7. BigAl

    BigAl F1 Veteran

    Mar 17, 2002
    6,146
    TX
    Full Name:
    GSgt Hartman
    #7 BigAl, Jan 12, 2005
    try moving the emergency blinker switch on/off a couple of times. I know it doesn't make sense, but my 308 headlights acted funny and someone suggested that and I did it and haven't had a problem since. Be nice if its a simple fix.
     
  8. Muteki

    Muteki Formula Junior

    Jan 14, 2004
    269
    Guam
    #8 Muteki, Jan 12, 2005
    Yes, I forget the part number, but there was a poster a while back that said he completed the project and had a couple extra fuse slots left over for only something like $18. Its more affordable, but I think the color of the box will be white insead of black......so what!!!!!!! ahhaha
     
  9. davewapinski

    davewapinski Formula Junior

    Nov 24, 2003
    276
    #9 davewapinski, Jan 13, 2005
    Thanks for all the help - it is appreciated.

    It was a blown fuse - replaced it and it is now working fine.

    When I got it, sprayed all the wiring with WD-40. Sprayed it again. For some reason the heater fan is working the best it has been since I got it.

    I am going to have to make the time to go through the wiring system.

    There is a manual rising system, but I forgot about it since I scimmed the manuals a year and a half ago.

    I guess if all else fails, read the directions :)

    First mistake since 1999 :) :)

    The Ferrari is a good everyday car.

    Have fun,
    Dave
     

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